The United States is engaged in negotiations for trade agreements, like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which could give U.S. farmers greater access to consumers around the world. However, to conclude trade deals, U.S. negotiators need trade promotion authority (TPA).  

TPA legislation would establish a time-bound approval process in which Congress would vote up-or-down on a proposed agreement as a comprehensive package, without amendment. The certainty this adds to the approval process on the United States’ part is critical to getting partner countries to make their best and final offers – a need reiterated this week by TPP countries.

Click here to listen to an audio interview with USGC Chairman Ron Gray talking about TPA’s importance from the perspective of market development, which was made available this week to farm broadcasters.